Prem predictions: Can Newcastle end their Old Trafford hoodoo, or will there be yet more stuffings at Christmas?

Our very own Mystic Meg - otherwise known as Dan Silver - gazes into his crystal ball ahead of the weekend's top flight fixtures

For many football fans, the Boxing Day fixture list is a welcome excuse to get out of the house and away from relatives and excess meat products.

For managers, on the other hand, it can be a pain the parson's nose. The vast majority of modern footballers are professional athletes on and off the field, of course, but with so many temptations at hand at this time of year, the form book can be as unreliable as the sherry levels in aunt Mabel'strifle.

Factor in the sheer number of fixtures that are crammed into such a short space of time and there could be some surprise stuffings today.

Manchester United vs Newcastle (all kick-offs 3pm unless stated)

Robin van Persie will be hoping for a less eventful afternoon following his brush with the grim reaper at Swansea on Sunday. Alex Ferguson was probably still raging about the Ashley Williams incident by the time the turkey sandwiches were being handed around for late supper last night, but he'll be more concerned with getting back to winning ways today.

Toon boss Alan Pardew is also unhappy, but his ire has been reserved for his mis-firing team. Last Saturday's vital league win against QPR was only the side's second since October - a run that prompted Pards to can the club's Christmas party. Given that Newcastle have one only one of their last 22 games against Man United (and haven't toasted league success at Old Trafford since 1972), not many would bet on his players celebrating too much today, either.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle

Norwich vs Chelsea

Canaries fans of a certain age might remember December match-ups against Chelsea fondly as a brace from Ashley Ward helped seal a thumping 3-0 win back in 1994. Unfortunately for Norwich, that was also the last time they beat the Blues.

Rafa's men arrive at Carrow Road on the back of the 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa and it wouldn't be a surprise if they were back in the goals today. Chelsea have won three, drawn four and lost none of their last seven Boxing Day fixtures, and that run should continue today.

Prediction: Norwich 0-2 Chelsea

Sunderland vs Manchester City

There hasn't been a goalless league fixture between these two sides since 1938, so if you fancy making some quick cash for the Boxing Day sales then stick a tenner on 0-0 pronto.

Although surely Steven Fletcher will have something to say about that. His goals have arguably kept Saint Martin of Neill in a job so far this season - although the Scot might have a fit-again Vincent Kompany to contend with today.

Man City have made an unwelcome habit of losing this fixture, with last season's infamous injury time concession to Ji Dong Won (currently residing in our 'Where Are They Now?' file) particularly sticking in the craw. Mancini will be diesperate to rectify that this time out, but don't count on the Champions having everything their own way.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Manchester City

Everton vs Wigan

Roberto Martinez claimed that David Moyes's side ticked very box - particularly the one marked: 'beating Wigan'. The last time the Latics won at Goodison Park was in their debut Premier League season, some seven years ago. They're also currently mired in the sort of run that will require another tradmarked end of season miracle: four defeats and one draw from the last five.

The Toffees haven't come unstuck at home for 12 league games now and they'll be buoyed by the availability of Darron Gibson. Due to a bureaucratic quirk, the midfielder can play today because Everton's appeal against the red card he picked up at West Ham cannot be heard until tomorrow. Kafka would be proud.

Prediction: Everton 3-0 Wigan

Fulham vs Southampton

The Saints are traditionally craven at the Cottage - Southampton's last win there came just two years after then end of World War II - but Fulham are hardly the most reliable of sides either. Their 4-0 capitulation at Anfield was just the latest in a string of inconsistent that would have had boss Martin Jol tearing what little remains of his hair out.

Still, at least Jol has fate on his side. Fulham's only Boxing Day success out of their last ten was a 2-0 win against, yes, Southampton. And with Niigel Adkins' defence offering up almost as many presents on their travels as Santa Clause, history could well repeat itself today.

Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Southampton

QPR vs West Brom

Things are looking up for Harry Redknapp. Not only are his QPR side off the bottom, but it's almost time for the January sales to start. He may not be a wheeler dealer, and he definitely doesn't like to talk about other team's players, but you can guarantee there will be some 'triffic comings and goings at Loftus Road next month.

No such circus for Steve Clarke, one presumes. His West Brom side have been quietly over-achieveing all season. And they'll surely fancy their chances of returning from west London with at least a point today.

Prediction: QPR 2-2 West Brom

Readings vs Swansea

There are few certainties in life, but the prospect goals at the Madejski Stadium this season could well be up there with death, taxes and getting socks for Christmas. 31 have been scored in the last seven Premier League games there, and you can guarantee the likes of Michu will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a rotten Reading defence who recently shipped four against Man United and five against Arsenal.

Prediction: Reading 2-4 Swansea

Aston Villa vs Tottenham (5.30pm)

It says much about the natural pessimism of the football fan that many Spurs followers were distraught at the news Chelsea had thumped Villa 8-0. Not because of the ramifications in the battle for third place, but rather cos this now seemed to guarantee defeat when they met on Boxing Day.

That freak reverse aside, Paul Lambert's side had undeniably been going in the right direction. Spurs, on the other hand, are stuttering - especially away from home, where they've lost three of their last four league games.

Of the last seven meetings between these two sides at Villa Park, four have finished 1-1. You sense both sets of fans might take that again this time out.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham

Stoke vs Liverpool (7.45pm)

Christmas is a time for miracles but even that might preclude Michael Owen making a fairytale comeback against his former side at the Britannia today. Still, the former Kop idol is in contention today and could make his first appearance for Tony Pulis' side since October.

Amazingly, Liverpool have never won at Stoke in the Premier League, but with confidence high after Saturday's goalfest, they'll be hopeful of burying that hoodoo - particularly as Luis Suarez likes nothing better than potting against the Potters. He's scored four in his five matches against them.